Dead Lakes

Climb aboard and journey back to what feels like our prehistoric past. There is no better place to experience nature in such an untouched serene state. And, while the Tupelo and Cypress trees may look desolate, the Lakes are full of life. Gliding through the water you’re likely to see an osprey or an eagle roosting on a branch. Maybe a wild pig or an alligator will watch you from the shore of a tiny island that won’t be there tomorrow. And the way the sun plays with the fog, you’ll swear it’s alive, too.

Did you know Gulf County is the home of famous Tupelo Honey? It is harvested from White Tupelo Gum trees and they are most content when standing in several feet of water. Many of the stumps and trees you see standing in the Dead Lakes and the Apalachicola River Basin are Tupelos. Beekeepers have been riding barges for years following the bees up and down the waterways. Many of the local apiaries will do tastings and tours.

The journey from Port St. Joe to the Dead Lakes brings you through Wewahitchka (or Wewa as the locals call it).

Wewahitchka is the home of one of Florida’s largest beekeeping operations, where for more than a century, beekeepers have harvested our world famous Tupelo Honey from the Apalachicola River Basin.

In fact, third generation beekeepers, the L.L. Lanier family, inspired the movie Ulee’s Gold, starring Peter Fonda. Filmed in Wewahitchka in 1997, the movie gained recognition for the natural beauty of the area when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Take an inside look into the harvesting of Tupelo Honey or be guided first hand through the mysterious waters of the Dead Lakes with one of our local Eco-Tour guides at the helm. It’s an experience with nature with a lasting impression.

Click here to enjoy a glimpse of the Dead Lakes with David Sussman.